Debate About Death Penalty Continues

by: February 4, 2005Amherst, MA

The potential execution of Connecticut serial killer Michael Ross has heightened the political debate about abolishing capitol punishment in the state. There are several bills moving through the legislature that would make life in prison without parole the maximum penalty, but they do not appear to have enough support to pass. And Republican Governor Jodi Rell has promised a veto. At the beginning of this year’s legislative session, Connecticut’s Democratic House Speaker Jim Amann, a death penalty supporter, said he would only allow a full debate on the issue if there was a groundswell of support for abolition. But with Michael Ross’ execution put off indefinitely this week, Amann now says he wants a debate because the current death penalty law is not working. Amann spoke with WFCR’s Av Harris.